... This could be a bed, sleeping bag, pad, cot, air mattress, etc. Next up would be food, cooking appliances, and utensils. You also need emergency first aid supplies. First time campers should take a trip with someone that’s experienced and knows the type of camping gear you will need. This is the fastest way to learn. People that camp a lot already have all the necessary camping gear and can show you how to use it. There is no need to buy the most expensive camping equipment on the market. Mid-priced camping gear will work just fine for most trips. One area that must be addressed is the type of sleeping equipment you will use. If going to cold areas and using sleeping bags, make sure the ones you purchase are rated for the expected temperature range where you will be staying. Your first tent should provide adequate weather protection. It needs to be large enough to hold all occupants with gear and still be comfortable. A lot of people use popup campers instead of tents. These work very well and also get you up off the ground. The only issue is setup and takedown time, but this is not really much of a problem if you are going to be staying for a week or more. Making a bed at the campground is not difficult. You need padding to cushion you from the ground or hard surface in an RV or trailer. Inflatable and closed-cell pads work well. Your sleeping bag goes on top of the pad. Again, make sure your bag is rated for the temperature range. If it gets too warm, you can sleep on top of the bag with a sheet or blanket ...

... For additional fees, some rental companies will provide a fully stocked RV so that you can just load your personal items and go. The most common rentals are motor homes. They are easier to drive because they operate similar to an automobile. Of course, you have to take the overall size into consideration. Be careful about height requirements when pulling into camping areas. It’s pretty easy to damage the roof from a low hanging tree limb or some other object. There can also be several blind spots that mirrors don’t show. Watch yourself when changing lanes. Rental cost depends on the size and age of the RV, the season, length of rental time, additional services like delivery if requested, outfitting with linens, dishes, and food if you don’t want to do this yourself. Look for companies that are running specials. These discounts can be quite large in the offseason. A valid driver’s license and proof of age are required by all rental companies. You can also ask for basic driving instructions if you are not familiar with the model. Most RVs are not difficult to drive. As stated earlier, getting used to the overall size is the biggest concern. Be sure to ask about insurance. Some companies require you to purchase protection, while others do not. Either way, you want to be covered for physical damages and liability. Your auto insurance might already provide this. Call your agent to find out. Another consideration is mileage costs. Sometimes there will be a limit on the miles driven in a day. Going over that limit will incur additional charges. Ask about these before signing the rental form. There might also be a charge if the primary driver is under 25 years old ...

... RV camping is perfect for experiencing nature while retaining the conveniences of home. There are more than 16,000 RV parks and campgrounds on both public and private land. You can find just about any setting you want, from total seclusion to a party atmosphere. You are in control and can easily move from one RV park to another by just packing up and driving away. It’s a good idea to have a written plan before taking off on your trip. You need to know where fuel and grocery stops are located and how long it will take to reach each location. If possible, select alternate RV parks so you have a fallback plan if your primary site is not to your liking. It can happen. There might be too much noise and activity at your chosen spot. Maybe it’s too quite. Either way, you can move to the next park if you have a good plan. You might lose a little money by doing this, but that’s better than a ruined vacation. Your basic RV packing includes the following items: A good quality first aid kit Spare key hidden on the outside of the RV Bucket and shovel to put out a campfire Fire extinguisher Sunscreen and mosquito repellent Flashlight with extra batteries Weather radio Emergency credit card Auto club card (if you have one) Emergency phone numbers Chargers for cell phones and other chargeable items Medical insurance cards and information Prescription drugs Over-the-counter items such as aspirin, acetaminophen, etc. Spare eye glasses or contacts Contact solution (if needed) Sun glasses Food, water, beverages Paper towels Toilet paper Soap and shampoo Maps and/or GPS. Paper maps act as a backup in case the GPS fails Life jackets (if going to a water resort) Board and electronic games Shaving and dental items Everything you pack should be unbreakable and stowed securely ...